San Giusto a Rentennano Percarlo 2014

Drink now through to 2032. Decant for 1 hour before serving.

First made in 1983, the Percarlo is the iconic wine of the San Giusto a Rentennano estate in the southernmost zone of the Chianti Classico appellation. The estate began life as a medieval Cistercian nunnery and in 1204 the property was fortified by the Florentines. Today the ancient underground vaults are used as cellars to age the estate’s noble wines.

The Martini di Cigalas family only make the Percarlo in the very best years with the finest Sangiovese grapes from their top vineyards in Gaiole. These vines are extremely low-yielding and produce concentrated, ripe fruit which is ideal for making this bold and characterful Tuscan red. Following a long period of maceration and fermentation in enameled cement vats, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for up to 22 months.

In the glass the wine displays a rich crimson hue and opens with evocative notes of wild cherry, ripe red plums, sweet spices and baked earth. On the palate there is a streak of refreshness which perfectly balances the intense red berry flavours and delicate hints of dried herbs and leather. Although ready to drink now, this is a wine which will greatly reward patience and will continue to evolve and develop in the cellar over the next decade or so.